News

Hackney,

26

June

2017

|

13:58

Europe/London

Statement on cladding at Woodberry Down

“

Following the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower, we asked all social housing providers in the borough to investigate the cladding on their properties and we have now been informed that cladding similar to that used at Grenfell Tower has been found on part of an eight-storey housing association block at Woodberry Down.

We have been assured that the cladding is used in an entirely different way to that at Grenfell Tower; it is purely decorative, on a new-build block, and does not compromise the safety of the building. This block is the only building at Woodberry Down where this type of cladding has been found and we are pleased that Berkeley Homes (the developer) and Genesis Housing Association have worked quickly to identify this and are taking swift action to replace it.

We understand that Berkeley Homes and Genesis have written to residents of the flats affected, and they will be kept fully informed of any further actions that are taken. There is no immediate safety risk to residents but as a precaution, the cladding will be removed immediately, and until the removal is complete, a fire safety officer will be on site 24/7.

None of the Council’s 181 medium to high-rise blocks have the type of cladding used at Grenfell Tower. However, to reassure residents, we have commissioned an independent review of the cladding used on all Council-owned blocks.

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney

„

Letters were hand-delivered to residents on Friday evening by trained staff from Berkeley Homes, Genesis Housing Association and Hackney Council, who were on-hand to answer questions.

Officers from all three organisations, as well as Woodberry Down Community Organisation and the Independent Tenant and Leaseholder Advisor, were available on Friday evening and throughout Saturday at the estate’s housing office. The office will continue to be open every day this week.

Any Genesis Housing Association residents with concerns should speak to a member of staff, contact Genesis on 033 3000 3000 or email mygenesis@genesisha.org.uk